Black–Eyed Susans

A chilling new thriller that gets into the heart and mind of the killer, and the victim . . .

Seventeen-year-old Tessa, dubbed a 'Black-Eyed Susan' by the media, became famous for being the only victim to survive the vicious attack of a serial killer. Her testimony helped to put a dangerous criminal behind bars - or so she thought.

Now, decades later the black-eyed susans planted outside Tessa's bedroom window seem to be a message from a killer who should be safely in prison . . .

Creepy and compelling, Black-Eyed Susans is a shadowy and crooked journey to a very dark place indeed, a twisty fairytale that deceives you just when you think you've cracked it and a thriller to make you remember why you love thrillers. Don't miss it.
– Observer, Thriller of the Month

Excellent
– Crime Watch

Fascinating details about identifying remains through bone and DNA analysis are woven through equally compelling present-day narration and flashbacks to Tessa's therapy sessions and trial testimony. The pieces can't come fast enough as the story builds to a shocking and satisfying conclusion. Deliciously twisty and eerie, Heaberlin's psychological suspense novel is intricately layered and instantly compelling
– An August LibraryReads Pick

Gripping... The suspense builds as Tessie uncovers devastating secrets from the past en route to the shocking ending
– Publishers Weekly

Sophisticated, disturbing and with plenty of red herrings
– Woman and Home

Terrific. Impeccable plotting
– Barry Forshaw

The best thriller I have read in a very long time. Intelligent and very intriguing - this author's writing pulled me in immediately. I think it outshines both 'Gone Girl' or 'The Girl on the Train'.
– Brandie is a Book Junkie!

This book is a rarity in that the research underpinning it is evident but not obtrusive. Black Eyed Susansis a fine achievement. It drips with authenticity, empathy and dread, meditating on the Death Penalty as well as offering an empathetic study of the life of a survivor. Take note - Julia Heaberlin belongs on every suspense fan's bookshelf
– Nudge Books

Black Eyed Susans is a compelling read, especially for Serial fans
– Cosmopolitan

Black Eyed Susans is haunting, intense and original - it'll keep you guessing till the last page 
– Closer

Black-Eyed Susans is a masterful thriller that shouldn't be missed . . . and in terms of suspense, characterizations and storytelling... is outstanding. Heaberlin's work calls to mind that of Gillian Flynn. Both writers published impressive early novels that were largely overlooked, and then one that couldn't be: Flynn's Gone Girl and now Heaberlin's Black-Eyed Susans. Don't miss it.
– Washington Post

Julia Heaberlin is an award-winning journalist. She has also edited numerous real-life thriller stories, including a series on the perplexing and tragic murders of girls buried in the Mexican desert and another on domestic violence. She lives with her husband and son in Texas.

Her previous novel, Black-Eyed Susans, was a Sunday Times number two bestseller and a Simon Mayo Radio 2 Book Club selection as well as Waterstones Thriller of the Month.